Subject: The Advocate, Update, June 6

From:

Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 09:08:32 EDT

Hello Advocates,

Congratulations to all of us!!!  The 2002 Illinois Income Tax Checkoff, The Multiple Sclerosis Fund, now stands at $123,221.72 and, hopefully, still climbing.  These monies are a direct result of our advocacy adding multiple sclerosis to the 2002 Illinois Income Tax Return donation checkoff.  You indeed are to be congratulated for getting the word out.

SB-293 (Circuit Breakers) is awaiting the signature of Governor Blagojevich after successfully passing both chambers of the Illinois legislature.  This legislation would provide pharmaceutical assistance to some of our neediest persons in Illinois with MS.  The people with MS who fall between the cracks and need help with the cost of prescription drugs are the people who will be helped by Circuit Breakers. 

We are not sure of the signature of Governor Blagojevich for SB-293 since the State of Illinois faces budgetary restraints; however, your response to our letter writing campaign to the Governor has been tremendous.  Our star letter writers have been Nanciann Huening and Joanne Dykhuisen each generating scores of letters.  Below is our sample letter to Governor Blagojevich urging him to sign SB-293.  Please if you have not done so take a couple of minutes and write the Governor a letter.  And, keep asking your friends, family, support groups, etc., to write.  If you have any questions, always feel free to e-mail me.

(Date)

Governor Rod Blagojevich
Statehouse, Room 207
Springfield, Il 62706

Dear Governor Blagojevich,

Please sign into law Senate Bill 293 extending the Illinois Pharmaceutical Assistance Program to drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis.

[Describe to the Governor how multiple sclerosis has affected your life and the life of your loved ones.]

As a result of medical research, drugs now exist to slow and prevent progression of multiple sclerosis.  With access to these disease-modifying drugs, people with multiple sclerosis can live full, independent lives.  In the end the state will save money by having fewer people with MS requiring state services.

I urge you to sign Senate Bill 293 into law.

Sincerely,


(Your Name)

If you wish to phone, fax or e-mail Governor Blagojevich in addition to mailing a letter, please do not hesitate to do so.

Thank you all so much.

Yolanda Treiguts, Chair
Advocacy/Government Relations Committee
Greater Illinois Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society